To Hunt a Sub is Jacqui Murray’s debut fiction novel and what a read it is.
A nuclear sub goes missing and retired Navy intel officer, Zeke Rowe, is called in to help with the investigation. It turns out that a cybervirus is the culprit. What Rowe can’t figure out was who did it or how to stop the perpetrator from sinking every submarine in the fleet. He joins forces with Kali Delamagente, the developer of an AI named Otto whose unique ability is compiling clues and finding things – like ancient people, kidnappers, and modern subs.
Rowe’s not the only one whose interested in the subs or Otto’s capabilities. Bent on destroying America, a terrorist is making Kali’s life miserable, breaking into her lab, hacking her computer, and making hostages out of those she loves. He nails warnings to the dead bodies of anyone who gets too close. As the terrorist ring closes in, time is running out and the stakes are rising.
One thing I enjoyed about this read is the technical reality Murray created for both the scientific and military aspects of the book. I completely believed the naval and investigatory hierarchy and protocols, as well as the operation inside the sub. I was fascinated by her explanation of Otto’s capabilities, the security efforts Kali employs to protect her data, and how she used Otto’s data to help Rowe.
If that all sounds like too much science, the characters are also well-rounded human beings with colorful histories and rich emotional palettes. There’s a little romantic attraction thrown in for fun though it isn’t a main focus of the story. The plot is high energy and complex with twists that require the reader to pay attention.
To Hunt a Sub is an entertaining novel for anyone who enjoys military thrillers. A well-written read and great fun!
Jacqui Murray
About the Author:
J Murray blogs at Worddreams and has wonderful tips for writers. She is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.
Myths of the Mirror 
Great interview, Diana. It sounds like an interesting read. Congratulations, Jacqui on this great interview and continued good sales for your book. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for visiting, Suzanne. Always lovely to see you here. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Suzanne. I appreciate your kind words. I’m going over to browse your website!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Diana. Sounds like a very interesting read. The author’s bio is so impressive. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Celestine. I enjoyed the book, and you’re right about Jacqui’s bio. I think it contributed quite a bit to the reality and excitement of the read 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your interest. I always visit people who comment and I have to say, your writing with Haikus is amazing. What fun it was to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like such an interesting book. I am very intrigued!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the visit, Antonia. I usually read fantasy, so this was a fun change. Hope you have a wonderful day, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, I hope you do as well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Antonia. I loved writing it, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Every time I come across Jacqui’s book with its very ‘commanding’ cover I think, yes, it must be next! So many books but I will definitely make time for it and thanks for the great review!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She does have a great cover, I agree. A fun read, Wendy. Thanks for checking out the review. Have a great day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That sub is haunting innit? Loved when my designer came up with this cover.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This sounds very appealing to me. I have to admit at first I was concerned it might be too technical but mentioning how well rounded the characters are, I’d have no problem following the storyline. The plots is intriguing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Truthfully, it’s a bit sciency, in the way Star Trek is–that I take existing science and extrapolate. Hopefully, it’s grounded enough in reality, it makes lots of sense.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well I grabbed my Kindle copy from Amazon. Hopefully I’ll be able to begin reading it before the end of the year. The review was piqued my interest.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aren’t you wonderful, Steph. Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m not technically minded at all, Steph, and I managed it fine 🙂 It’s not typical of the books I read, so I’m glad I tried it. Thanks for checking out the review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing it Diana. After reading your review I got my electronic copy from Amazon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good! I hope you enjoy it! Have a great week, Steph. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you and you too!🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review, Diana. I love the premise and scope of this book – sounds intense and good to know that tech information is balance with well-rounded and crafted characters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Since this is the start of a series, I want my characters to be diverse as well as intriguing. Tech has so much depth, it’s easy to make it interesting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by, Annika. I like reading the books of other bloggers as it exposes me to genres I wouldn’t normally pick up. I’m a character-reader and this worked for me. 🙂 Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fantastic review of Jacqui’s book. Looking so forward to getting to it when I can. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s a fun, exciting book when you are looking for an adventure. Thanks for stopping by, Debby 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved writing this book, Debby. I’m also having fun on the sequel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good for you Jacqui! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an amazing woman! How the hell does she manage to do all of that??? Very busy lady! Best of luck with the new novel!
LikeLiked by 3 people
<>
LikeLike
Jacqui does seem really busy. And this is her debut fiction novel…great things ahead. 🙂 Have a great Sunday, Ali.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hacking? cyber attack? sounds quite interesting!! Thanks for a wonderful review Diana. I have added this book to my list. All the best to Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yeah. My scientist, ex-SEAL, and AI get in a lot of trouble!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the visit, Balroop. I’m not scientific at all and I was able to follow the technical parts of the read. It was an exciting adventure. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a great review, Diana. Not exactly my genre, but hey, I’m always up for something new… Maybe. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I know what you mean, Kev. There are times I just want something different.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
I wouldn’t normally pick out a military thriller either, Kev, but reading the books of other bloggers has broadened my interests. And I like great characters. If the characters are interesting, complex human beings, I’m game 🙂 Thanks for the comment, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely hear that, Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jacqui is not only a terrific writer, but a wonderful mother, researcher, friend and blogger!! I wish her all the best with her latest accomplishment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, GP. You made my day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You deserve every smile you get!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, GP. I can’t comment on her motherhood (lol), but the rest, I totally agree!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Part of me is hoping my two adult children don’t discover your blog. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this sounds like a great book! Thanks for reviewing it for us, Diana. Off to add to my TBR list!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Julie. I hope you like it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you would enjoy it… a little like your book in terms of action and technical reality. I know about those TBR piles, too. They’re teetering! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed this one too. Loved the weaving together of technology and anthropology/archaeology.
Hope you’re doing well, Diana. Must feel so good to have all your books transferred over now. Happy writing to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope it sets this story apart from other military/action thrillers. That’s quite a crowded genre.
I’m working on a novel that will tell my ancient female’s story. Readers only get a taste of it in To Hunt a Sub, but it is a gripping story of survival in its own right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great news, Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds wonderful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Carrie. I liked that part too. I’m so glad to have the indie transition done and new creative adventures in the works. I miss your routine posts, but hope you are enjoying lots of writing time! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Carrie, but I understand there are only 24 hours in the day. Maybe my story’s AI can fix that…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It was slowed down during our move, but I’m finding my groove again. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
a wonderful review, thank you D.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for reading, Holly. A fun book 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am swamped with books I want to get to, I am adding this one to the list! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know how you feel. I need a year of nothing but reading to get through what I’ve already downloaded!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s so true, I could be reading right now but NO! haha.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I so relate to this. I’ve stopped order from Netgalley because I won’t get to the books for months. I did just order two Indies today, from blogging friends, which sound so good they’ll be pushed ahead of my others.
It’s our burden, those of us who love readding, innit?
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a conundrum! I love to escape in books, I used to spend half my time there, I have split that with being online now. Books are amazing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not often that my surname is used for a character. I may change my first name to Zeke. 😀
Sounds like a good read – I shall add it to the list (although the kindle app on my phone is starting to over-flow!)
LikeLiked by 3 people
How funny. I like one-syllable, punchy names. ‘Nick’ would have been good, too, except Zeke’s friends have nicknamed him Zero (for Z. Rowe). Well, Nero would have been good. Hmm…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha ha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No-one’s ever called me Nero (thankfully!). Zero doesn’t quite work in the UK because I’d be Zedro!
In one of my first jobs, however, one of the guys said, “Nick Rowe? Sounds like a prison.” Yeah, thanks for that mate… luckily that didn’t catch on either!
😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
Interesting comments. ‘Nick Rowe’–as a prison–that’s a keeper. How funny.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Damn. What have I done?
:-p
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I noticed that too…Zeke. Ha ha. It is a good read, but I can also related to the overflowing kindle app. *Sigh* I need to take a year off just to read everything I’ve already downloaded.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m currently reading 4 things (two on kindle, two on paper) which is why my progress through Eye of Fire has slowed a tad (almost at the end).
LikeLiked by 3 people
4 books at a time?? Wow. I can only read/do one thing at a time. No multi-tasking over here. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, but you ARE actually writing stuff!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with Diana–and impressed. I might read one Kindle and one print (because they work best in different circumstances), but I’d become completely befuddled with four!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, they tend to balance out fine. One hefty novel (Diana’s) and a sci-fi short story collection on my kindle app; and then on paper there’s a history of Bletchley Park (WW2 codebreakers) and the first QI book (a re-read; Diana knows about QI because I sent her loads of moon ‘facts’ from the tv series).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Plus theater, plus work, plus family and friends …. and I assume you sleep too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Heavily. :-p
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m going to download this one Diana!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Noelle. I hope you like it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh good. I think you’ll like it, Noelle. Thanks for stopping by to check out the review 🙂 Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right up my alley. I like to read in the evening and a good thriller beats TV at any time.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Clare. It’s fun to write thrillers, too, because I get to visit a world I never would otherwise.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This one is a lot of fun, Bridget. Much better than TV! Thanks for checking it out here. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The author profile is really impressive😮
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is. Jacqui’s background clearly added to the reality of the read for me. 🙂 A fun book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aren’t you nice! My teacher side and writer side are perfect complements to each other.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, with the plot Diana described, you put your expertise to good use. ☺ It sounds perfect.
Good luck for your book and future writing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This seems interesting. I need to grab it as soon as possible and force myself to read it. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s well written and entertaining 🙂 I’ve become picky about books lately and finding one that sweeps me into the story is a real pleasure. Happy Reading.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am quite picky as well. I think time is precious and must be used judiciously. But, i am surely going to get my hands on it. Thank you for introducing me to it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Lovey. I’d love to visit your blog. I think it’s about food, but I’m wondering if you mix in your love of communication and what sounds like (from your profile) research. If you get a chance, would you add a link?
LikeLiked by 2 people
https://femonomics.wordpress.com/
This is the link to my blog. I am glad you asked. But, my Blog is hardly about food though. Visit me sometime. I welcome you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mistake (about the blog being about food). I saw ‘food for the soul’ — on your gravatar–and made the wrong connection! You cover some interesting topics. I’m going to check them out.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is quite understandable as Soul for food sounds deliciously satisfying. I love food and may cover it in distant future. Thank you very much for visiting me. I hope you had a nice time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people